delectable
Americanadjective
-
delightful; highly pleasing; enjoyable.
a delectable witticism.
- Synonyms:
- entertaining, amusing, agreeable, gratifying, pleasurable
- Antonyms:
- distasteful, disagreeable
-
delicious.
a delectable dinner.
- Antonyms:
- distasteful, disagreeable
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of delectable
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin dēlectābilis delightful, equivalent to dēlectā ( re ) to delight (frequentative of dēlicere to entice) + -bilis -ble
Explanation
Something delectable is extremely delicious or appealing. Nothing tastes better at the end of a meal than an array of delectable desserts and pastries! Don't let the de- at the beginning of delectable fool you. There is nothing negative about this word. Related to delicious through the Latin word for delight, if something is delectable, it is very tasty! Maybe your mom has promised you a delectable dinner of lobster and steak for your birthday meal?
Vocabulary lists containing delectable
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Prisoner B-3087
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A 70-year-old has discovered one of the most delectable perks of retirement: invitations to sumptuous meals, gratis.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 4, 2026
Depending on how much you add, you might even get a delectable little Oh, what is that? pucker at the end of each bite.
From Salon ● Oct. 5, 2026
His challenging Queen Mab speech, which can glaze the eyes, here is delivered with delectable playfulness, as Mercutio sports almost flirtatiously with Romeo.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
The soaring quality of the orchestra and the delectable company of voices pay exhilarating homage to a singular artist, who seems right at home at the Pantages.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2026
Despite the tension in my stomach, I eat as much as I can, although none of the delectable food makes any impression on me.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
